CALM DOWN

guilhermealmeida/Pexels.com

Calm Down Taming the Flames of Stress-Related Illness

by Marlaina Donato

We are beings of neurochemical and hormonal intricacy, and within this mixed bag of biology lies our magic. Our human experience is visceral; we cry from sadness and joy, flush from embarrassment, laugh with amusement and exhibit quirky mannerisms when we lie. Whether we see it as a blessing or a curse, we’re hardwired to embody the sacred fire of our emotions.

It also means that stress and our bodies are in perpetual partnership. “Systematically, the mind and body work together. Grabbing your belly when you hear bad news and saying, ‘I feel sick,’ or having ‘butterflies in your stomach’ are a testament to how everyday stress affects us physically,” says Stephanie Mansour, Chicago fitness expert and host of the national PBS show Step It Up With Steph.

“Stress serves a useful purpose by increasing alertness—the sometimes lifesaving ‘fight-or-flight’ response—but chronic stress leads to elevated stress hormones like cortisol and catechol- amines,” says emergency room physician Thomas Krisanda, at Northwest Hospital, in Randallstown, Maryland. “Cortisol can elevate blood glucose and suppress the immune system. Elevated catecholamines raise blood pressure and stress the heart. Over time, this can lead to hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes or strokes.”

According to The American Institute of Stress, 77 percent of people experience the physical backlash of emotional stress in the form of headaches, chronic migraines, fatigue, digestive woes, muscle tension, dizziness and changes in libido. Research published this year in the Journal of the American Heart Associa- tion shows that children that experience severe adversity or live with alcoholics or drug addicts are at a 50 percent higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Experts agree that this statistic goes beyond poor lifestyle choices, and might point to a biological inability to cope with everyday pressures.

Working with—rather than against—the body’s nervous sys- tem by employing lifestyle changes, releasing trauma and consid- ering options like a nourishing diet, safe herbal options and gentle energy modalities can help to break a vicious cycle.

Gut Instincts

Studies involving both mice and humans show that beneficial gut microorganisms are altered by emotional stress. The same bacteria responsible for bolstering the body’s fortress of immunity also generate neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and nor-

epinephrine. These neurochemicals in the gut’s enteric nervous system control major biological functions that include heart rate, sleep cycles, muscle movement and mood.

While commonly prescribed antibiotics eradicate infectious invaders, they also kill off beneficial bacteria and neurotransmitters, opening the door to depressive disorders. Because approximately 95 percent of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, it’s not surprising that overuse of antibiotics has been associated with mental health conditions. British research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2015 documents case-control studies over an 18-year period involving 202,974 patients with depression. The findings show a high risk for anxiety and depression following repeated antibiotic use.

Connecting the dots further, 2018 research published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology correlates compromised intestinal permeability with a weakened blood-brain barrier and alcohol addiction. Research published in 2014 in the journal PLOS One involving patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) reveals abnormalities in catecholamines, elevated plasma cortisol and hyperactivity of the amygdala—the part of the brain that can become stuck on overdrive from trauma and other life stresses.

In a nutshell, negative emotional states can suppress immunity and foster more frequent antibiotic prescriptions and in turn, promote neurological loops of chronic depression and anxiety, and even more compromised immune response.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS and inflammation-driven Crohn’s disease are often exacerbated by emotional upset and improved with stress management techniques like biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, meditation and breath work.

One Body, Many Selves

Resolving emotional trauma can offer unexpected hope for conditions that elude improvement or scientific understanding. A deeper look into how unrecognized or unreleased emotional pain can contribute to disease might help to solve the riddle of digestive problems, eczema, inflammatory bowel conditions and pain syndromes,

including the multi-system agonies of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It’s a widespread misunderstanding that psychosomatic (mind-body) health conditions are imaginary or the product of mental instability. In actuality, the term psychosomatic simply refers to physical diseases with no organic origin that are presumed to have unconscious emotional taproots.

“We are made up of different types of energy,” explains LaStacia Ross, a reiki master and sound healer at Eclectic Soul Studio, in Pittsburg, Kansas. “Physical or sensory energy is the energy of the physical body. Our outer energy field is subtle energy which consists of layers and includes thoughts and emotions. I like to think of the subtle energy field as a library containing the records of everything we’ve ever experienced.”

Reiki, a form of non-touch therapy, is now deemed valuable by many respected hospitals, like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in Manhattan. Springboarding from the philosophy that we are trinities of body, mind and spirit, reiki and other forms of energy medicine aim to encourage the flow of vital life force. Ross, who also uses sound resonance via tuning forks in her work, has witnessed significant improvement in her clients. “Energy work can help release stored energetic patterns of trauma and stress that no longer serve us,” she says. “Relaxation is an immediate benefit of energy work. People often feel a huge mental weight lifted and report pain relief, sometimes after just one session.” Despite the many gains of energy work, Ross emphasizes individual timing. “On a subconscious level, pain or illness can serve us in some way without us realizing it. Sometimes we’re not ready to work through our issues or let them go, even if we think we are.”

Investing in Equilibrium

Stress-induced psychosomatic illness does not discriminate, and even affects members of the medical field. A 2009 study published in the Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that professional burnout in nurses can manifest as back and neck pain, acidity, anger and impaired memory.

Krisanda underscores the importance of self-care in all walks of life. “If you don’t take care of yourself, you are useless to care for others. Adopt a healthy diet and

Everyday Practical Tips

From Stephanie Mansour:

 Deep breathing and rolling the shoulders forward and back a few times can relieve muscle tension.

 Eating something crunchy like an apple or carrots can lessen feelings of stress.

 Meditating for even one minute can help reduce excessive cortisol in the body. Doing small increments daily rather than over long intervals net better and bigger benefi ts.  If your mind is racing 24/7 and breathing techniques don’t work, change your environment. Get up and go to another room in the house. Go outside. If tight on space and can't go outside, turn your body to look in a diff erent direction. Stay in the same spot on the couch and just look at something else.  Don’t put your body under more stress with demanding, cortisol-fueling workouts; opt for yoga, meditation and Pilates.

 When you get your heart rate up (in as quickly as fi ve minutes of doing cardio), you feel happier.  Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and go to bed earlier.

From Sarah Kate Benjamin:

 Reconnect to the earth in whatever way you can; go for a walk, cook a meal, smell fl owers or just sit outside.

From LaStacia Ross:

 As an energy exercise, try what I call Th e Fountain of Light: See and feel white light coming up from the earth and into your feet. Feel it move all the way up through your body, out of your head and back down to your feet to start again, like a fountain. Repeat this many times, feeling the vibrant, white light energy fl owing through you. Plant Power for Combatting Stress

Sarah Kate Benjamin’s Personal Favorites:

Passionfl ower (Passifl ora incarnata) soothes restless minds from anxiety and insomnia, and eases menstrual cramps or muscle spasms. Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifl ora) helps to strengthen the brain and revitalize the central nervous system, and helps to calm the mind and relieve nervous stress and headaches. It is even more benefi cial when combined with lavender or chamomile. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps to soothe emotional and muscle tension; ) helps to soothe emotional and muscle tension; relieve stress-related gut symptoms like gas, cramping, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers; calm heat-related emotional and physical issues such as eczema, anger and frustration; and generally promote a sense of calm. Wonderful in baths, teas and as an herbal garnish.

In addition to Benjamin’s recommendations, other stress-fi ghting herbs to consider are Ginkgo, panax and Siberian ginseng, fo-ti, rhodiola, reishi mushroom, goji berries, licorice root, lavender, rose, lemon balm, tulsi (holy basil), ashwagandha and mimosa bark.

exercise and make it a routine. We live in a very materialistic society, and I believe this also leads to stress, unhappiness and a sense of being entitled and never being satisfi ed. Just let go.”

He also stresses the importance of support. “An emergency room is an incredibly hectic, frightening and sometimes violent place. I rely on my colleagues, and we support each other. For me, the most important thing is to realize that I’m not in it alone.” Krisanda also fi nds balance by taking a few minutes in a quiet place to collect his thoughts and enjoy a peaceful moment.

Basic, whole foods can help to maintain homeostasis. “Make sure that food is fueling you,” says Mansour. “Cooked vegetables and broths are very soothing. Instead of a juice cleanse or an extreme diet, focus on nourishing, calming foods like soups, lean proteins to stabilize blood sugar levels and healthy fats to support brain function. Reducing alcohol can help improve liver function.”

Sarah Kate Benjamin, a holistic chef and herbalist in Sebastopol, California, fi nds her own healing rhythms by eating with the seasons and using medicinal plants in inspired, everyday dishes. Co-author of Th e Kosmic Kitchen Cookbook: Everyday Herbalism and Recipes for Radical Wellness, she sees herbs as life-giving examples of resilience. “Herbs have been here long before us and have experienced their own form of stressors. Working with nervous systemsupportive herbs in my food, beverages or even as tinctures really help me fi nd balance when I’m overwhelmed.”

Some of her allies are oat tops, lemon balm, skullcap, chamomile and passionfl ower. For Benjamin, everyday choices play a huge role in healing. “Making small lifestyle shift s in your work or home life can really help you move into a more relaxed state. I like to think of it as a sort of mantra: ‘Help the herbs help you,’” she says. In a world that is fi xated on external validation, little things matter. “If I give myself permission to do the things that really nourish me, I’ll be the best version of myself. Perhaps most importantly, I will like me, and that matters tremendously.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

TAI CHI AND QIGONG Life Force in Motion

by Marlaina Donato

The flowing movement of tai chi journal Evidence-Based Complemenmirrors the serenity of water, but tary and Alternative Medicine shows still waters run deep. This ancient that 12 weeks of tai chi practice initipractice of gentle meditative movement ated beneficial changes in the immune is an offshoot of Chinese martial arts that system with subsequent improvement offers a spectrum of surprising benefits, of lung function in children ages 6 to including healthier soft tissues and bones, 12 with asthma. as well as improved sleeping.

According to Harvard Health PublishA River of Energy ing, when practiced consistently, tai chi supWhile tai chi is a modified martial art with ports both upper and lower body strength a focus on form, its close relative, qigong, with effects that are akin to resistance is a mind-body wellness system that uses training and brisk walking. Tai chi helps breath, simple movement and stillness. to fine-tune neurons of the inner ear and Both cultivate qi, or life force, that is encourages muscle and ligament flexibility, believed to permeate all natural existence. resulting in better balance and fewer falls. The concept of qi, yet to be understood The practice is highly adaptable and anyone scientifically, is the basis of Traditional can benefit, even those that are wheelchairChinese Medicine and the focus of many bound or recovering from surgery. studies in China and elsewhere.

“It appears effortless, with slow and “It is believed that qi flows throughout smooth movements, but there is immense and around the body. If we are healthy, the power underneath the tranquility,” says qi will be moving smoothly and abunPaul Lam, family physician and director of dantly. If we are not healthy, the qi may the Tai Chi for Health Institute, in Sydney, be stagnant, excessive or deficient,” says Australia. “Tai chi has been shown by over qigong instructor and acupuncturist Jeffrey 500 medical studies to benefit almost all Chand, in British Columbia, Canada. aspects of health, including mobility, imRobert Chuckrow, a retired physics munity and heart and lung function.” Lam professor in Ossining, New York, and also highlights other related benefits, inthe author of Tai Chi Dynamics and The cluding lower blood pressure, less arthritis Tai ChiBook, explains, “When muscles pain and stress relief. are tensed, qi is inhibited. Instead, when

Research published last year in the muscles are relaxed and the body is open and moves naturally, qi is enhanced. Such cultivation of qi is the main component of qigong. Tai chi actually includes qigong.” Chuckrow currently has two students that are 100 years old and notes that seniors greatly appreciate and benefit from these arts once they experience the connection between mind and body.

Lee Holden, a qigong master teacher at the Holden QiGong Center, in Santa Cruz, California, emphasizes the consequence of being in perpetual “fight-orflight” mode from everyday, nonthreatening life stresses. “The waves crashing to the shore, the river flowing down the mountain, demonstrate nature’s boundless energy. We, as human beings, have cut ourselves off from that source of energy. Through qigong practice, we plug back into that natural energy reserve and circulate it through our minds and bodies. Stress, like a kink in the hose, causes a stagnation of qi. Relaxation, like unwinding the kink, gets the qi to flow.”

Nourishing the Nervous System

Tai chi and qigong lower the stress hormone cortisol, improve brain function and have been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Both approaches are part of many addiction recovery programs to help nourish mind-body connections for better managing stress.

“In my view, both qigong and tai chi are wonderful exercises for the nervous system, which during practice, undergoes intense moment-to-moment receiving, processing and sending of neural electrical information. This electricity stimulates cells to absorb oxygen and nutrients and expel waste products, and it beneficially helps arrange material within cells,” says Chuckrow.

In essence, it’s all about encouraging calm, something we all need. Chand summarizes its benefits superbly. “It empowers individuals to help themselves. The more stress management tools we have to help ourselves, the better our overall health and quality of life is.”

Marlaina Donato is a body-mind-spirit author and visionary composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

NAPA110

Stressed-Out Teens Ways to Help Them Chill

by Ronica O’Hara

Being a teenager is never easy, but it’s even harder these days, with the upheaval of the pandemic intensifying the normal academic, social and hormonal turmoil of these pivotal years. It’s no wonder teens are reporting record levels of stress, anxiety and depression: In a Pew Research survey, 70 percent of teens said mental health was a major problem among their peers—and that was in February, before the pandemic hit. A recent online poll found that most teens are worried that the pandemic will aff ect their family’s physical or fi nancial health and that many feel lonelier than usual and worry about losing ground in academics and activities.

Extending a helping hand to teens is not always well received. Th ey can be notoriously resistant to advice, even when they’re stressed, partly because of their brain chemistry, explains Gail Saltz, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell School of Medicine and host of the Personology podcast. A teen’s highly active amygdala makes risk-taking a thrill even as the frontal lobe that weighs consequences is not fully developed, while at the same time, a teen seeks independence—an identity and freedom to be more like an adult. “Th is combination means their capacity and interest in taking parental direction is not there,” she says. “As a result, parents in reaction oft en get louder and more insistent in telling them what to do, which fails and drives them further away.”

Th e best way to communicate with a stressed teen, say many child psychologists, is to listen deeply while letting them do most of the talking, and off ering sympathetic support while withholding judgment. Instead of giving advice, “Validate your teen’s experience and attempt to step into their shoes. Let your teen know that you hear them, that you support them in their decisions and ask your teen what you can do to help them,” advises clinical psychologist

Alyssa Austern, PsyD, of Chatham, New Jersey. Other steps can help a teen weather this time of high stress:

1Back up the basics. Make sure there’s healthy food and snacks in the fridge. Encourage teens to exercise daily, especially outdoors, and support them in getting eight to 10 hours of sleep.

2Make self-compassion a family habit. Th e self-compassion approach to self-care, which is rapidly gaining ground among psychologists, has three elements: treating ourselves as kindly as we would a dear friend, realizing that many other people have the same problems so we’re not alone, and mindfully and nonjudgmentally observing our emotional state.

Th is method has proven to be helpful not just for adults, but for teens, as well. A University of Edinburgh meta-analysis that synthesized 17 studies of more than 7,000 teens in six countries concluded that those with high levels of self-compassion had lower levels of stress caused by anxiety and depression. University of North Carolina researchers found that teens exhibited lower stress, anxiety and depression, as well as more resilience and gratitude, aft er six self-compassion sessions.

A good place for parents to start is with themselves: If they are anxious, overprotective or fearful, a teen is likely to follow suit, reports a study in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology.

Helpful books, websites and programs for both teens and adults can be found at Self-Compassion.org, operated by Dr. Kristin

Neff , an associate professor of educational psychology at the

University of Texas at Austin who was a pioneer in the concept.

3Engage them with creative activities. As teens can seek independence, making sure they spend quality time with the family is also important for their well-being, research shows.

“Find ways to connect, converse and unwind together as a family,” advises Crissy Fishbane, of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, co-founder of HER Health Collective, an online community for mothers. “Teens need to see their parents engaging in self-care behaviors themselves, and it’s even better if you can engage in self-care as a family.” She suggests taking a virtual or outdoor yoga class together, playing a board game, having sudoku competitions, learning deep-breathing techniques or starting a family book club.

4Encourage reaching out to help others. A study in theJournal of Adolescence suggests that altruistic behaviors, including large and small acts of kindness, may increase teens’ feelings of self-worth, especially if it involves helping strangers. In Poland, the more teens helped out others in a fl ood, the more supportive and proactive they became, another study found. Depending on their interests, teens may be drawn to local environmental, social justice, religious or political activities. DoSomething.org off ers useful ideas and links, and environmental projects for teens can be found at

EarthForce.com, SierraClub.com and GlobalClimateStrike.com.

Ronica O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

NOVEMBER Personalized Diabetes Strategies Plus: Skin Care Readers are Seeking These Providers & Services: Functional Medicine Practitioners Herbalists • Hormone-Free Meats & Dairy Integrative Physicians Nutrition Therapists • Spas ... and this is just a partial list!

Cancer-Free Pets

DECEMBER Creating Community & Connection Plus: Spending Locally

JANUARY Holistic Hospital Care Plus: Health & Wellness on a Budget CONNECT WITH OUR READERS THREE-MONTH EDITORIAL CALENDAR & MARKETING PLANNER Contact us to learn about marketing opportunities and become a member of the Natural Awakenings community at: 724-271-8877

Five Ways to Help Keep Them Healthy

by Karen Shaw Becker

Veterinarians are seeing cancer in more and younger pets these days than ever before. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in life, including almost half of dogs over the age of 10. But taking practical steps can help lower a pet’s risk. Don’t allow a dog or cat to become overweight.Studies show that restricting the number of calories an animal eats prevents and/or delays the progression of tumor development across species. Fewer calories cause the cells of the body to block tumor growth, whereas too many calories can lead to obesity, which is closely linked to increased cancer risk in humans.

Th ere’s a connection between too much glucose, increased insulin sensitivity, infl ammation and oxidative stress, all factors in obesity and cancer. It’s important to remember that fat doesn’t just sit in a pet’s body harmlessly—it produces infl ammation that can promote tumor development. Feed an anti-infl ammatory diet.Anything that creates or promotes infl ammation in the body increases the risk for cancer. Current research suggests cancer is actually a chronic infl ammatory disease fueled by carbohydrates. Th e infl ammatory process creates an environment in which abnormal cells proliferate.

Cancer cells require the glucose in carbohydrates to grow and multiply, so work to eliminate this cancer energy source. Carbs to remove from a pet’s diet include processed grains, fruits with fructose and starchy vegetables like potatoes.

Keep in mind that all dry pet food (“fast food”) contains some form of potentially carcinogenic, highly processed starch. It may be grain-free, but it can’t be starch-free because it’s not possible to manufacture kibble without using some type of starch. Th e correlation between consuming fast foods and cancer has been established in humans, so

it’s wise to incorporate as much fresh, unprocessed food into an entire family’s diet as can be afforded.

Cancer cells generally can’t use dietary fats for energy, so high amounts of good-quality fats are nutritionally beneficial for dogs fighting cancer, along with a reduced amount of protein and no carbs—basically a ketogenic diet.

A healthy diet for a pet is one that’s anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, and consists of real, preferably raw, whole foods. It should include high-quality protein, including muscle meat, organs and bones. It should also include high amounts of animal fat, high levels of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) and a few fresh-cut, low-glycemic veggies. This species-appropriate diet is high in moisture content and contains no grains or starches.

Also make sure the diet is balanced following ancestral diet recommendations, which have much more rigorous standards (higher amounts of minerals and vitamins) than the current dietary recommendations for pets. A few beneficial supplements like probiotics, medicinal mushrooms, digestive enzymes and super green foods can also be very beneficial to enhance immune function. Reduce or eliminate a pet’s exposure to toxins and minimize chronic stress.These include chemical pesticides like flea and tick preventives, lawn chemicals linked to cancer (weed killers, herbicides, etc.), tobacco smoke, flame retardants, household cleaners and air-scenting products like candles and plug-ins. Because we live in a toxic world and avoiding all chemical exposure is nearly impossible, a periodic detoxification protocol can also benefit a pet.

Research points to the benefits of identifying and removing sources of chronic stress in an animal’s life. Focusing on providing environmental enrichment and opportunities for dogs to just be dogs (play, sniff and run) on a daily basis is important in keeping them happy and healthy.

For dogs, especially a large or giant breed, hold off neutering or spaying until the age of

18 months to 2 years.Studies have linked spaying and neutering to increasing cancer rates in dogs. Even better, investigate alternative ways to sterilize a pet without upsetting their important hormone balance. Refuse unnecessary vaccinations. Vaccine protocols should be tailored to minimize risk and maximize protection, taking into account the breed, background, nutritional status, lifestyle and overall vitality of the pet. Vaccines may cause cancer, and titer testing is a responsible way to ensure a pet has adequate immunity in place of over-vaccinating on an annual basis.

Karen Shaw Becker, DVM, a proactive and integrative veterinarian in the Chicago area, consults internationally and writes Mercola Healthy Pets.

10 Classic Symptoms Not to Ignore

Dogs and cats can develop cancer almost anywhere in the body, which is why the symptoms vary depending on the tissues and organs involved and the severity of the disease. Make an appointment with a veterinarian if a pet displays any of these warning signs of cancer. 1. Unusual swellings that don’t go away or that grow. The best way to discover lumps, bumps or swelling on a dog or cat is to pet them. 2. Sores that won’t heal. Non-healing sores can be a sign of infection or cancer and should be evaluated by a veterinarian. 3. Weight loss.Illness could be the reason a pet is losing weight when it isn’t on a diet. 4. Loss of appetite. Reluctance or refusal to eat is a sign of possible illness. 5. Bleeding or discharge. Bleeding can occur for a number of reasons, most of which signal a problem. Unexplained vomiting and diarrhea are considered abnormal discharges, as well. 6. Offensive smell. An unpleasant odor is a common sign of tumors of the anus, mouth or nose. 7. Difficulty eating or swallowing. This is a common sign of cancers of the mouth or neck. 8. Reluctance to exercise or low energy level. This is often one of the first signs that a pet is not feeling well. 9. Persistent lameness. There can be many causes of lameness, including nerve, muscle or bone cancer. 10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating. These symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Many of these symptoms also occur with other disorders and diseases, but any pet showing one or more of these signs needs prompt veterinary attention.

calendar of events

NOTE: Events were accurate at the time the magazine went to press – please call ahead to check for date or time changes. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Get Out There! A Yoga, Camping and Adventure

Retreat – Oct 2-4. 3pm, Fri – 1pm, Sun. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh in the Laurel Highlands. Space limited. Daily yoga, Ayurvedic consultation, chef-prepared meals, pampered accommodations, kayaking, hiking. $799. Register: HipYoga.org.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 Empath Support Group –7-9pm. Hosted by Well Oiled. Solution-oriented support to educate empaths about the gifts and challenges of their sensitivities. Free. Registration required: Getwelloiled.com/collections/workshops. 412-531-6457.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7

Pruning, Planting and Fall Garden Maintenance

–7-8:30pm. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens online event. Comprehensive review of fall garden activities from pruning to supporting plant and pollinator health. $25/members $30/ nonmembers. 412-622-6915. PhippsConservatory. org. Register: 3989p.blackbaudhosting.com.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 Advanced Wilderness Survival – Oct 8-11.Hosted by True North Wilderness Survival School. Fourday, three-night physically demanding hands-on course. Learn to function and adapt to the most common stressors such as lack of gear, supplies, time, plus weather, fatigue and hunger to improve your chances of survival. Not for everyone. $550. 412-622-6915. Tickets: ExploreTrueNorth.com.

Sustainability Amid Crisis: Adapting for Impact

–2pm. By CEOs for Sustainability, Sustainable Pittsburgh and UPMC Health Plan. In this free virtual event, leaders from FedEx Ground, Interface, and PNC Financial Services Group discuss aggressive commitments for carbon-emissions reduction, regenerative manufacturing, and racial equity amid the COVID crisis. 412-258-6642. Register: SustainablePittsburg.secure.force.com/events.

Wurst Käse Szenario 5th Anniversary Din

ner –5-9:30pm. Hosted by the German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter at the outdoor courtyard of the Priory Hotel. Celebrate with classic German cooking. 614 Pressley St. $165. 412-330-1273. gaccPittsburgh.wildapricot. org/event-3747300. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Yoga Factory Block Party at The Terminal –Noon-2:30pm. By Yoga Factory PGH, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and Strip District Terminal. All levels. $10 suggested donation. Profits to local charities. Rain or shine. Free parking at the Terminal. 412-513-5000. Make Your Own Mala – 1-4pm. Hosted by Calli Tony, CPT. Opening intention setting prayer, education on what the mala is, creation of your mala, closing prayer and intention setting for your mala. You will be provided with 108 wooden beads of your color choice and 40 crystal beads. $108/ticket. 724-562-0682. Tickets: Checkout.square.site.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 Fall Into You Mini-Retreat at Visions Reiki –1 – 2:30pm. Hosted by Sacred Centered You, Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, and Indigo Yoga Loft. Guided meditation, restorative yoga, sound immersion. $30. Tickets/info: SacredCenteredYou.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 Secrets of Ancient Egypt –By Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This is the last day to register by 11:30pm for this week-long online live-class series and five weeks of activities. Live classes: Oct 19-23. Ages 8-10. Explore hidden mysteries, investigate the life and lore of ancient Egypt. $80/members, $100/nonmembers. 412-622-3131. Carnegiemnh.org. Monthly Nutrition Zoom Group –5-6pm. Hosted by Cancer Caring Center and Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Registered DietitianNutritionist specializing in Oncology. Free Zoom Class. Email for the link: CancerCaringpgh@gmail.com. Make Your Own Herbal Tea Blends – 5-6:30pm. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Webinar with Dina Ranade of The Herbal Bake Shoppe. Explore fresh and dried herbs blends to enjoy hot or cold. $25/members, $28/nonmembers. 412-622- 6915. PhippsConservatory.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 Spring-blooming Bulb-a-Palooza –6:30-7:30pm. It may seem counter-intuitive, but spring-blooming bulbs must be planted in fall. Learn which bulbs are critter resistant, see interesting flowers you may not be familiar with. Many bulbs for sale after lecture. $15. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Info/links: PittsburghBotanicGarden.org.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification Program

– Weekends through April 2021 on-site or on-line with Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh – an internationally recognized program of excellence for over 20 years. $2,999. Register: HipYoga.org under the certification menu tab. Youth Writer’s Camp –11am-1pm. August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Curriculum addresses social justice issues with focus on poetic monologue in the style of Troy Maxson. Free. Register: Eventbrite.com. August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave. 412-339-1011.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 Sacred Sound Immersion and Meditation – 1-2:30pm. Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, with Sacred Centered You. Meditation and deeply relaxing sound therapy guided by Lesa Viveo. Receive individual healing vibrations through the gong. Social distancing. $25. SacredCenteredYou.com.

Salty Vibrations: Sound Healing at the Salt

Cave –4-4:55pm. By Sacred Centered You and Salt of the Earth. Join Lesa Vivio for an amazing Salt Cave sound-healing session. $45. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472. Clients. MindBodyOnline.com.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 Building Your Kitchen Apothecary – 5-6:30pm. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens live webinar with Dina Ranade of The Herbal Bake Shoppe. Organization and herbal sourcing and a demo on tinctures. Lunch and Learn Series: Herbal preparations to build on your kitchen apothecary. $25/members, $28/nonmembers. 412-622-6915. PhippsConservatory.org.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Sixth Annual Ecolution Fashion Show – 6-10pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Earth Day. One-of-a-kind eco-fashion show and sustainability soiree featuring models from the Docherty Agency in hand-crafted fashion designs by local artists and students. $75/ VIP, $45/general admission, $10/students. Cash bar. Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Ave. PittsburghEarthDay.org.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 Go Green at Market Square – Oct 23-24. 11am7pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Earth Day. Music and eco-friendly booths at Market Square. Local bands, performers, businesses. Free trees Friday from Tree Pittsburgh and Western PA Conservancy. PittsburghEarthDay.org.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 Earth to Table Dinner – 6-10pm. By Pittsburgh Earth Day. Local chefs pair with local farmers at Kingfly Spirits as guests taste courses highlighting Sustainable PGH certified restaurants. 2613 Smallman St. 412-392-8928. Info: KingflySpirits.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 Dance and Be Fit – 7-8pm. Hosted by Shenley Plaza, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, support from UPMC Health Plan. Free. All levels. Mask for registration, remove for dancing. Covid precautions. Register: PittsburghParks.org/eventregistration.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 Full Moon Circle and Meditation –7:30-9pm. The Millvale House and Back to the Earth Healing Center. Through drumming, music, and prayer, raise the vibration of the circle. Manifest your potential. Guided meditation, reflection, journaling, cleansing. $10 in person or via zoom. Register: Eventbrite or TheMillvaleHouse@gmail.com.

Phipps’ Fall Flower Show: The Poetry of Na

ture – Oct 10-30. Room after room of breathtaking Chrysanthemum-themed seasonal shows since 1894. Longest running in the nation. Free/members, $11.95-$19.95/nonmembers. 412-622-6914. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1 Shenley Park, Pittsburgh. Tickets: Showclix.com.

sunday

Heartfulness Meditation – 11am-noon. 1st Sun. Hosted by Heartfulness Pittsburgh. Age 15+. Guided relaxation and meditation for ages 15 and up. Learn the basics of heartfulness and how it can benefit you. Be casual. Free. Winchester Thurston Lower School in Shadyside, Rm 202. Info: Heartfulness.org. Sunday’s Restorative Rejuvenation – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Morgantown Power Yoga. All levels welcome. Learn to use breath, props, and focused awareness to decrease stress and anxiety in the body and the mind. Compliment your power yoga practice with restorative rejuvenation. $25. 235 Spruce St, Morgantown. WV. Tickets: Clients. MindBodyOnline.com.

monday

Yoga for Wellbeing – 5:30-6:30pm. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit 4) or online to harmonize body, mind, spirit, and breath with your dedication to attendance. Colleen Harshbarger, ERYT-500 and MS in Exercise Science Biomechanics, provides alignment-based instruction. All levels. $8. 304-508-2398. Wellbeingwv.com.

tuesday

Lawrenceville Farmers’ Market –Thru Oct. 3-7pm. Join more than 20 local farmers and producers in Arsenal Park, 250 40th St. COVID safety protocols are in place. Sign up to attend the market at Lunited.org. Info at 412-802-7220. Online Yoga –6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by WVU Collegiate Recovery. All skill-levels welcome. A password is required, but anyone can join! Free. Email olivia.pape@mail.wvu.edu to get the code. Intermediate Astrology –6:30-8:30pm. Sept 22- Oct 27. Hosted by Sacred Centered You. This online interactive six-week intermediate astrology series, taught by Stephen Jarvis, includes a customized workbook. 14-hours. $300. Register at StephenJarvisAstrology.com. Guided Meditation with Reiki – Thru Dec 22. 7-7:50pm. 3rd Tue. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Guided meditation begins with gentle relaxation leading to deep inner awareness and peace. $18. Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com. Once registered you will receive an email link. Click the link five minutes prior to start. 724-260-0472. LisaMascara@gmail.com. The Salty Core – 7-8pm. 4th Tue. Hosted by Salt of the Earth and Valleybrook Pilates & Fitness. Pilates in the Cave to lengthen and expand muscles for a leaner, stronger you. Incorporate breath, stretch, and strengthening. Open to all levels. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray, PA. Tickets: SaltOfTheEarthpgh.com.

wednesday

Yoga for Wellbeing –8:30-9:30am. Wellbeing Solutions hosts in-person (limit 4) or online to harmonize body, mind, spirit, and breath with your dedication to attendance. Colleen Harshbarger, ERYT-500 and MS in Exercise Science Biomechanics, provides alignment-based instruction. All levels. $8. 304-508-2398. Wellbeingwv.com. Art of DIY Educational Series – 4-5:30pm. Learn basic tools, techniques, upcycling, color theory, design, hand-knitting. 8-week series. Ages 8-14. 12 seats available. Two options: standard/$295; extended/$365 (extra ½ hour, extra project). Complete six projects. AR Workshop Robinson, 6511 Robinson Centre Dr, PGH. 412-407-9001. Register: arWorkshop.com.

Listen to Black Women: What’s it like to be

a Black Woman in Pittsburgh? – 6:30-8pm. Online event hosted by Black Women’s Policy Agenda. Join for a virtual community conversation. Free. 412-245-6771. Register: Eventbrite. BlackWomensPolicyAgenda.org. Introduction to Astrology –6:30-8:30pm. Sept 23-Nov 24. Hosted by Sacred Centered You. Learn the basics of Astrology in this online 6-week class taught by Stephen Jarvis. 14-hours. $300. Register at StephenJarvisAstrology.com. Includes workbook and 20-minute reading.

thursday

Yoga Classes – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 2nd Thurs. Hosted by Spruce Street United Methodist Church. All ages and abilities with variations to accom modate health and movement issues, with students sitting or standing next to a chair. Emphasis on meditative practices. Wear comfortable cloth ing. 386 Spruce St, Morgantown, West Virginia. 304-292-3359.

Market Square Farmers’ Market – Thru Oct 29. 10am-2pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Local farms, organic produce, fresh food. 210 Forbes Ave. 412-566-4190. Wellbeing Solutions Webinars –2nd & 4th Thur. Noon-1pm. Self-Care as Healthcare with BoardCertified Health and Wellness Coach and Yoga teacher Colleen Harshbarger and Natalie Geary, MD and Ayurveda Therapist. COVID rate: $25 1st (trial class); $40/thereafter. 4-pack: $150; 8-pack: $280. 12-pack: $399 includes one-year Wellness Inventory subscription ($49.95 value). On-demand times for groups. 304-508-2398. Info/register: Wellbingwv. com/webinars. Art of DIY Educational Series –4-5:30pm. Learn basic tools, techniques, upcycling, color theory, design, hand-knitting. 8-week series. Ages 8-14. 12 seats available. Two options: standard/$295; extended/$365 (extra ½ hour, extra project). Complete six projects. AR Workshop Robinson, 6511 Robinson Centre Dr, PGH. 412-407-9001. Register: arWorkshop.com. Restorative Yoga Nidra –Thru Dec. 7-8pm. 2nd Thur. Hosted by Salt of the Earth. Restorative yoga in the salt cave. Nidra, known as yogic sleep, is meant to induce total physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Bring a mat. 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray. 724-260-0472. Lisa@SaltOfTheEarthpgh. com. Tickets: Clients.MindBodyOnline.com.

friday

Lit Fridays – Noon-1:30pm. Hosted by Wilson African American Cultural Center. A literaryfocused virtual salon featuring conversations and guest performances via Facebook Live and Zoom. Info: 412-339-1011 or Info@aacc-awc.org.

saturday

Morgantown Summer Farmers’ Market – Thru Oct. 8:30am-noon. Pick-up only until further notice. Pull in off of 231, enter the market, exit onto Hwy 70. Call Farmboy (270-526-4649) for a to-go breakfast order for hosting. Support local! Place sign with your last name, visible through your windshield, follow our signs and directions for drive-through pick-up. Morgantown Farmers Market, 503 No High St, Morgantown, WV. Info: mfmgamanager@gmail.com. Order online: MorgantownFarmersMarket.org. Volunteer Opportunity – Hilltop Urban Farm –Thru Oct. 9am-noon. 1st & 3rd Sat. Bring a mask and water bottle. Help with mowing, mulching, trimming, planting, weeding and more. 700 Cresswell St. Info: Ned@HilltopUrbanFarm.org. Virtual Walk with a Doc –Thru Oct 17. 3rd Sat. Hosted by Gentile Family Direct Primary Care. Dr. G will post a health-related educational video on Facebook and Instagram, then look forward to your comments on the health talk, on Walk with a Doc Highland Park Facebook page, on your own social media use #VirtualWWAD, tag @GentileFamilyDirectPrimaryCare, @wwadhp, @walkwithadoc, and @wwadhp. GentileFamilydpc.com.

We are looking for the next Natural Awakenings publishers—the connectors, the change makers, the motivated individuals that want to make a difference in their community. This is more than a job; it’s a life-changing opportunity to inspire others to make choices that benefit themselves and the world around them. And you’ll have fun while you’re doing it!

Financing opportunities are available for as little as $15,000 down. Call us for more information, we would love to talk!

Natural Awakenings is a franchise family of 55+ healthy living magazines, celebrating 26 years of publishing! This rewarding, homebased franchise opportunity includes training and ongoing support, following a wellLearn more today: established and proven business model. 239-530-1377

NaturalAwakenings.com/Franchise

28 Pittsburgh, PA NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our Pittsburgh community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com to request our media kit.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES 305 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 304-506-3585 Dr.Carol@Remedies.com AlternativeRemediesOnline.com Dr. Carol offers a personalized holistic approach to your health concerns through nutrition, supplements, exercise, cellular spa treatments, homeopathy and self-help classes. Twenty years of experience in naturally supporting the body, her specialties are digestive health, women and children, and gluten-free living. Health memberships and video conferencing available.

AROMATHERAPY WELL OILED Melissa Robb, BSW, JD, CA, RPII Certified Aromatherapist, Reiki II Practitioner 1414 Potomac Ave, Dormont 412-531-6457 • GetWellOiled.com Be your own best wellness advocate. Melissa can help you learn about essential oils, answer questions about CBD or help you along your spiritual path. Holistic Wellness Shop providing accessible, affordable, and safe products plus workshops for optimal health and wellness: mind-body-spirit. High-quality aromatherapy oils and accessories, CBD and spiritual workshops. See calendar for classes.

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY JANET LAZARUS – BIOLOGIC DENTIST Dr Janet Lazarus, DMD, NMD Mail: 4313 Walnut St, Ste 178 Office: Olympia Shopping Ctr Arcade, McKeesport • 412-754-2020 Dr.Lazlo@hotmail.com D r . L a z a r u s p r a c t i c e s compassionate biologic dentistry by looking at the whole body to offer preventative care and health m a i n t e n a n c e . S h e o ff e r s compatibility testing on dental material, safe mercury removal, extraction and a host of other treatments including ozone therapy. She has been practicing for 28 years. See ad, page 7. CHIROPRACTIC APPALACHIA CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS, PC Travis D Horne, DC • Gi Ming ‘‘Lili’’ Chan, ND 20120 Route 19, Ste 202, Cranberry Twp, PA 724-553-5312 AppalachiaChiropractic.com Best of natural medicine – combining both chiropractic and naturopathic care. We provide integrative and individualized care to the community where patients feel heard and truly cared for. We offer manipulation, sports medicine, nutrition, herbal, homeopathy and hydrotherapy.

PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC Dr Danielle Marra, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com Dr. Danielle Marra has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications, and nutritional support. The practice provides advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 11.

FAMILY AND LIFESTYLE MEDICINE GENTILE FAMILY DIRECT PRIMARY CARE Natalie Gentile, MD 5655 Bryant St, Pittsburgh GentileFamilyDPC@gmail.com GentileFamilyDPC.com Affordable, high-quality, evidencebased direct primary care for patients of all ages, regardless of insurance status. Become a member for a low monthly fee and get unlimited office visits, quality healthcare, wholesale prices on prescription medication and at-cost labs. They support a plant-based lifestyle and specialize in intensive therapeutic lifestyle counseling.

I trust in nature for the stable laws of beauty and utility. Spring shall plant and autumn garner to the end of time. ~Robert Browning

We stand together to fight racism, injustice, brutality and backlash.

To the black members of our community: we see you, we support you and we stand by you.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~ Mark Twain

CHANGE can do you good

Join the Natural Awakenings Franchise Family

For more info, visit: NaturalAwakenings.com

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE PANTHER FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Danielle Mara, DC Murrysville • Greensburg 724-387-1014 • PittsburghHealthPro.com Dr. Danielle Mara has nearly 20 years’ experience helping patients regain their health through conservative and holistic approaches utilizing functional medicine, chiropractic, diet modifications and nutritional support. Plus advanced lab testing, allergy relief, spinal decompression, CDL physicals, massage therapy, thermography and more. Their philosophy is treating the root of your symptoms, naturally. See ad, page 11.

YOUR HEALTH INVESTIGATOR Dr William Howrilla, DC, CFMP Pittsburgh • SW Pennsylvania • Telehealth 412-445-3168 • YourHealthInvestigator.com Dr. William Howrilla, DC, CFMP is a unique chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner who utilizes Contact Reflex Analysis or CRA, which assesses the energy connections within the body for health analysis, detailed health history and other testing modalities to help you restore your health and regain your vitality and quality of life. See ad, page 7.

HEALTH COACH COTERIE Calli Tony, CPT 201 E Fairview Ave, Rm 211, Connellsville, PA 724-562-0682 • CalliTonycpt.com Calli Tony is a mother, spiritual entrepreneur and a holistic health and transformational coach. She is the creator of HYPE and podcast host. Her mission is to serve, empower and educate through holistic healing. She works with women who want to create a massive shift in their life!

SHE’S MY HEALTH COACH D’Anna V. Kromer 1195 W Laurel Cir, Mount Pleasant, PA 724-331-3365 • ShesMyHealthCoach.com Certifi ed health wellness coach and registered yoga teacher assisting individuals with habit change. Providing support, a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, a n d t o t a l transformational programs addressing most pressing health issues like sugar cravings, energy and mood swings, stress, infl ammation, emotional eating, chronic dieting, weight loss, diabetes, and sleep hygiene. Plus, off ering private yoga instruction. HEALTH FOOD THE KEFIR CHICKS Connellsville, PA TheKefirChicks.com TheKefirChicks@gmail.com Facebook.com/TheKefirChicks Kathy and Haley, The Kefir Chicks, are two chicks on a mission to bring awareness to everyone about whole foods and gut health through whole, probiotic-packed food medicine – water kefi r. See ad, page 4.

HERBALISM BASIC EARTH ESSENTIALS Michael Lausterer P.O. Box 6, Richeyville, PA 724-426-4579 • BasicEarthEssentials.com Getting back to our natural roots is the f o u n d a t i o n a l philosophy that drives and inspires Basic Earth Essentials; using the purest botanicals of the earth to create handcrafted, superb blends of the fi nest quality. Products for pets, personal care, and inspirational settings. Custom products available. See ad, page 13.

INTERIOR DESIGN DEBORAH BELLA INTERIOR DESIGN Debbie S Bielawski, Allied ASID, Associate IIDA 412-216-5487 • DeborahBella.com Info@DeborahBella.com Redesigning your home or offi ce beautifully by utilizing natural, eco-friendly, sustainable and biophilic solutions that are healthier for your mind, body and soul. See ad, page 6.

NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS NAPTURAL BEAUTY SUPPLY 724-307-8487 NapturalBeautySupply.com Naptural Beauty Supply was created to end the stigma around natural hair by empowering men and women to love themselves naturally. We do this by instilling confi dence in our community and increasing convenience by having the tools and services in one place, such as hair and body butters, beard care and apparel. We are beauty supply with naturals in mind! See ad, page 11.

Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice. ~Wayne Dyer

NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE APPALACHIA CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS, PC Travis D Horne, DC • Gi Ming ‘‘Lili’’ Chan, ND 20120 Route 19, Ste 202, Cranberry Twp, PA 724-553-5312 • AppalachiaChiropractic.com Best of natural medicine – combining both chiropractic and naturopathic care. We provide integrative and individualized care to the community where patients feel heard and truly cared for. We off er manipulation, sports medicine, nutrition, herbal, homeopathy and hydrotherapy.

SPIRITUAL THE PRAYER WARRIOR AND HEALER ThePrayerWarriorAndHealer.com ThePrayerWarriorAndHealer@gmail.com Healing children, adults and pets through Divine Intervention practices. Specializing in: customized written prayer requests and crystal grids; assisting empathic and sensitive children; Akashic (past-life record) readings; energy clearing for self, home, property and workplace. See ad, page 5.

URBAN FARMING GROW PITTSBURGH Raqueeb Bey, Garden Resource Coordinator 6587 Hamilton Ave, Ste 2W, Pittsburgh 412-362-4769 ext 215 Raqueeb@GrowPittsburgh.org GrowPittsburgh.org Grow Pittsburgh is an urban, agriculture n o n p r o f i t t h a t teaches people how to grow food. They envision the day when everyone grows and eats fresh, local and healthy food. Get involved. Take a tour, become a member, learn, volunteer! Visit their website for workshops and events.

VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE SACRED, CENTERED, YOU, LLC 412-258-0766 SacredCenteredYou.com Offering individual and group experiences that promote healing through self-discovery and personal acceptance. Special focus on sound healing, life coaching, qigong, and vibrational medicine. See ad, page 19. WELLNESS 360 CAFÉ LLC Tyleda Worou Pittsburgh 724-374-8089 • 360CafeLLC.com 360 Café LLC is an alternative health and wellness business with the goal of helping others to heal from the inside out while taking a holistic approach to healing by offering distance reiki, and crystal healing sessions to help our consumers restore physical and emotional balance. See ad, page 14.

LEARN AND GROW WITH SARA JO Sara Remington, Consulting SaraRemington13@gmail.com 724-208-4977 Family wellness coaching through holistic nutrition, transformational life coaching, and mindfulness-based practices. Teacher, parent educator, and mind body and wellness practitioner. Schedule a one on one 10-week coaching program on intuitive eating. Available to hold workshops on mindfulness for kids, nutrition and intuitive eating.

SALT OF THE EARTH Himalayan Salt Cave and Chakra Boutique 504 Valley Brook Rd, McMurray 724-260-0472 • SaltOfTheEarthpgh.com Salt of the Earth offers the ancient healing benefi ts of salt; serene, therapeutic, and exquisitely built with 16 tons of authentic Himalayan salt. Sessions are 45 minutes. Group events: guided meditation, yoga, sound healing, and pilates. Personal services in the cave: reiki, massage, cellular healing, Akashic Records, mediumship and spirit guide channeling. Known to heal respiratory and skin issues, the organically dispersed salt is naturally detoxifying, reduces infl ammation, cleanses the respiratory system and improves sleep. See ad, page 11.

WINER WELLNESS CENTER 2419 Baldwick Rd, Pittsburgh 412-922-9355 • DrWiner.com Holistic Wellness Center with practitioners for chiropractic, nutritional consultation, allergy elimination and muscle therapy. Workers’ compensation and accident insurance claims. Fully stocked all-natural supplement store.

YOGA AND MEDITATION THE HIMALAYAN INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH 300 Beverly Rd, Pittsburgh 412-344-7434 • HipYoga.org The Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh is committed to creating and supporting programs for wellness in body, mind and spirit. Their purpose is to promote personal peace and global unity. Off ering a daily schedule of yoga and meditation classes and healing services including massage, reiki and Ayurvedic health consultations. They are a leader in education, providing authentic yoga and Ayurveda certifi cation programs. Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

OPPORTUNITIES

ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/offi ce space, selling products, off ering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classifi ed ad section. To place an ad, email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

ADVERTISING SALES – Natural Awak

enings magazine is looking for experienced advertising salespeople covering the Greater Pittsburgh area, SW Pennsylvania and Morgantown WV to help others grow their natural health & wellness and sustainable living or green businesses. Commission-based. Full- or part-time. Paying 25% commission. Unlimited potential income. Be a part of something magical! Send resume to Michelle: Publisher@ NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com.

START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSION

ATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home-based business, complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/MyMagazine.

Natural Awakenings

Client Testimonial

Advertising is a key part of modern business and it informs us about the personal choices we have when it comes to our health. Nowadays time is such a valuable asset and with Natural Awakenings you don't have to worry about it, it is so easy and so rewarding!

~Barbara Calcagni All About Thermography